Metal Clay Findings

We are currently working on our How-To section that will include step by step instructions in Adobe PDF format. Until this section is completed, we hope you find the following instructions helpful.

General Ring Liner Tip:
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using our ring liners:
The Ring liners do not shrink after fired, they remain as true to size as prior to firing • Use a metal clay with minimal shrinkage like PMC3 or ArtClay650 • Use thick slip to bond the of rolled clay strip(s) to the liner • Use metal clay rolled out to a minimum of 3 cards thick for your first layer, if you go too thin on your first layer, you may get some cracking when the metal clay shrinks around the liner after firing • Build multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer • Wrap the metal clay strip(s) around the edges of the liner for a more finished look • When air dried, trim the excess metal clay flush against the inside of the ring liner with an X-acto knife.

This ring was created using a 4mm Ring Liner using a carving technique.

Roll out a piece of PMC3, 3 to 4 cards thick and at least 6mm wide and slightly longer than the ring's circumference. Cut this piece of the rolled metal clay approximately 6mm wide, wide enough to cover the edges of the ring liner and long enough to slightly overlap when wrapped around the ring liner. When attaching the strip to the ring liner, use thick slip. Then, wrap the strip along the circumference of the ring liner and slightly overlap the ends. Next, roll the edge of this strip around the edge of the ring liner. Using water on an artist’s brush, slightly moisten the seam at the point the metal clay overlaps and then work the overlap point together using a colour shaper, your finger, or any other tool that can be used to smooth this overlapped joint.

Allow the piece to dry overnight or use a hairdryer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the piece is completely dry.

After the metal clay is completely dry, use a small round file to carefully file the excess clay even with the inside surface of the ring.

Using a small triangle file, lightly carve angular, equally spaced lines into the clay around ring. Then, gradually deepen these lines to the desired depth, careful not to break through the layer of metal clay when doing so. Blend and smoothen all sharp edges using a small flat file. Finally, further smooth the clay using a fine emery board or sand paper. The ring is now ready to be fired, burnished and polished.